Inside Rome

Welcome to the enchanting city of Rome! Begin your journey with a warm welcome at your unique accommodation, a monastery hotel. Meet your fellow travelers and tour guide in the evening, followed by a tour of your accommodation and a delightful first meal together. An informative lecture with visuals will set the stage for the exciting days ahead.

Kickstart your day with a visit to the Villa Giulia Museum, a former papal summer residence that now hosts a rich collection of Etruscan artifacts. Continue your journey to the Porta del Popolo and its namesake square, imagining the countless visitors who once entered the city through this grand portal. A visit to the iconic Spanish Steps and Casa di Goethe will round off your day, providing insights into the city's vibrant past.

Begin your day at the Pantheon, the best-preserved temple of the ancient Roman world. Next, ascend to Monte Capitolino, one of Rome's seven hills, and enjoy a stunning view over the Roman Forum and Tiber Island. Your morning concludes with a stroll through the vibrant alleyways of the former Jewish ghetto. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps exploring the picturesque Trastevere, before returning to your monastery hotel for a delightful dinner.

Today, you'll delve into the treasures of the Vatican Museums, encountering the works of Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Marvel at Michelangelo's world-renowned ceiling painting in the Sistine Chapel and explore the grand St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church. After a day filled with artistic wonders, return to your monastery hotel for a well-deserved dinner.

If the Pope is in town, you'll have the opportunity to attend his general audience in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the mighty remnants of the largest thermal complex of the Roman Empire at the Palazzo Massimo, home to spectacular ancient Roman sculptures and precious mosaic floors. A subway ride will then take you to the Colosseum, where you can marvel at its grandeur. The evening is yours to discover Rome's culinary delights at a restaurant of your choice.

Today, you'll explore the symbolic power of early Christian mosaics. Visit the burial mausoleum of Emperor's daughter Constanza and the Basilica of Laurentius, a gem among Rome's seven pilgrimage churches. In the afternoon, visit the world's oldest and highest-ranking Christian basilica, St. John Lateran. Marvel at its impressive interior, redesigned by the famous Baroque architect Borromini, before returning to your monastery hotel for dinner.

Begin your day with Bernini's sensual 'Rapture of St. Teresa of Avila'. Visit the churches of the Trinitarian and Jesuit orders, where the brilliant artists Bernini and Borromini will captivate you. Marvel at the Trevi Fountain, a late Baroque masterpiece, and visit the stately Palazzo Altemps, home to impressive ancient statues restored by Bernini. Your day concludes with a final dinner at your monastery hotel.

As your journey comes to an end, bid farewell to the eternal city of Rome. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've made during this immersive 8-day tour. 'Arrivederci, Roma!'